SANCTUARY GETS BOOTYLICIOUS

MWE manages Destiny’s Child, Blaque, Solange Knowles, comedian Ricky Smiley and the solo careers of Destiny’s Child members Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams

Knowles' deal is for five years, with a five-year option. The Urban division includes a joint venture label with Sanctuary Records Group, to be distributed by BMG. The label will develop Urban and Gospel acts. A publishing arm and Urban tour agency will also be created.

Said Sanctuary Group Executive Chairman Andy Taylor: "I am thrilled to welcome Mathew and his artists to Sanctuary. This is a groundbreaking deal for Sanctuary, putting us directly into the management of acts involved in Urban music, which is one of the most popular music genres in the world. Mathew Knowles and his team at MWE have a pre-eminent reputation and have had phenomenal success. The quality of the artists managed adds considerable value to our roster, as well as being highly and immediately cash-generative. Mathew will also bring Sanctuary into the large global market for Gospel music. Hallelujah and praise the Lord. "

Added Mercuriadis: “Sanctuary is the market leader in every aspect of the Rock business, including management, records, agency and merchandising and we believe that, in partnership with Mathew, our expertise and infrastructure can have a significant impact on the Urban world, which despite being the biggest music genre, is still underdeveloped and lacking the sophistication of the Rock world from the artist's perspective. Our intention is to create a strong creative and business environment for the most important artists and managers in the Urban community to prosper and build an Urban division, with Mathew as President, inclusive of management, label, publishing, merchandise and agency that mirrors our successful Rock model. Plus, he promised to have Beyonce bring Jay-Z to the Christmas party, so you know it will be off the hizook.”

Commented Knowles: "Having established four of the most important and successful worldwide brands in the Urban world, I believe that this marriage with Sanctuary will not only allow me to make Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Kelly, Michelle and our other clients bigger and better, but it also provides me with a worldwide infrastructure and expertise that is truly unique with which to revolutionize the Urban business and for the first time ever ensure that the power is in the hands of the Urban artists. Our goal is to establish the Sanctuary/MWE brand as the market leader in taking Urban artists to new heights of success and earning power. And now Sanctuary will pay my bills... Pay my telephone bills. Pay my automo’ bills."